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RETURN OF THE WILD – The Bearman of Buncrana

Killian and Katie (no uniform) Image Name: Killian and Katie (no uniform)
Killian and Fia the Deer #2 Image Name: Killian and Fia the Deer #2
Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (11) Image Name: Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (11)
Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (8) Image Name: Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (8)
Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (6) Image Name: Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (6)
Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (5) Image Name: Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (5)
Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (3) Image Name: Killian and 2 Wild Boars #1 (EP4) (3)

Series One, Episode Two:

Killian is still awaiting on the bank verdict, but he is doing his best to push the wildlife park to the back of his mind, as today he and Katie get married.  They waste no time in heading off on their honeymoon to Australia, with the plan of gathering as much information on the wildlife and conservation efforts and bringing the knowledge back to their project in Donegal. 

Now that the lake and island are finished, the next phase is the construction of the habitats and fencing. Killian brings in Samuel, a local contractor, but faces a dilemma between the aesthetic of the park and the safety of the visitors and animals. 

With the renovations complete, Killian and Katie have moved into their new home and, already, there is a new occupant. They have taken in an abandoned deer, Fia, in the hopes of nurturing her back to health. The sleepless nights seem to be paying off and she is putting on weight, but things take a turn for the worst.  

Killian meets with Douglas Richardson, a zoological consultant with over 40 years of experience. Douglas specialises in the review of proposed designs and plans for zoos so his feedback will be crucial.  His assessment highlights the much work that still needs to be done, and in order for this to come together, Killian is going to have to think outside of the box.  Upon travelling to Yorkshire Wildlife park, he discovers that shipping containers are being used as housing for the animals, a possible and practical solution to one of the many problems he faces.

Then, another spanner is thrown in the works. Killian receives a letter from the Donegal County Council regarding issues with planning permission and unauthorised development. With the threat of a fine and/or jail and the immense financial strain he is under, Killian needs a break from the chaos.

He takes a trip down to the Aillwee Caves in Clare where the co-director of the caves, Nuala Mulqueeney,  shows him evidence of bear presence. Different fragments of bear bones date back to both 4000 years ago and 10000 years ago, and it’s possible the cave was used for hibernation.

Series Overview:

Passion drives Killian to create a unique wildlife park that will offer sanctuary to abused brown bears and other rescue animals, returning them to the forest habitats once more. 

Moondance Productions follow Killian through the highs and lows of his journey to return the wild animals to their rightful place in the Irish landscape. Two years in the making and filmed across multiple countries and continents, this surely will be a one-off gripping tail (tale) which will have audiences at the edge of their seats.

This young lawyer will stop at nothing to make his wildlife park a reality. Never before has a project of this scale been undertaken, there is no rule book or how-to instruction manual. This character driven documentary will reveal Killian’s compelling mission to bring back Irish fauna from extinction and to transform his woodland into a world class wildlife sanctuary.

By Killian’s side throughout, is his new wife Katie, a city girl and solicitor from Dublin, who has traded the rat race for the wilds of Donegal.

This project has the potential to break them financially and emotionally but when they fall in love with some animals in dire need, their commitment to bringing them home becomes unshakable.  Despite battling with big banks, red tape, paperwork and bureaucracy the couple remain committed to doing it anyway they can. Moondance has been at their side, documenting their dogged determination to make it happen.

From managing the two year build to coming up against roadblock after roadblock Moondance has captured it all making it an honest and compelling watch.

Katie and Killian will stop at nothing to realise a lifelong dream. A lawyer by day but a conservationist at heart, Killian’s ambition to build a wildlife sanctuary is on track. As construction of the lakes, islands and huge habitats begin, the enormity of the project hits home. The couple, unshaken by adversity, knuckle in using their legal minds to cut through legislation and red tape to get the animals home.

Animals start to arrive before the park is complete, having nowhere to house them, the couple bring wolves, lynx and deer home to their newly renovated house. The pressure continues to mount, the park must be complete and open before the summer season ends.

Wild Ireland finally opens at the end of autumn 2019, fifteen months behind schedule and three times over the original budget. Nevertheless, visitors flock to welcome back the native predators and learn of Ireland’s lost animals. Killian’s vision is finally realised, but there’s no time for sighs of relief.

The Irish winter bites hard and the park is hit with 6 major storms, crippling visitor numbers. With the storms taking their toll, a global health pandemic emerges, forcing the park to close its doors indefinitely.

The animals must be fed and cared for despite the global lockdown and the couple struggling with mounting costs and high emotions without an income.

The arrival of spring brings some hope. A litter of 6 Wild Boar brings delight to the world as videos of the Boarlets playing goes viral online. Wild boar last having roamed Ireland 800 years ago.

What’s more, with the park re-opening its gates, Katie gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, Rígan – but are they out of the woods yet?

Return of the Wild is a documentary series full of heart, passion, high-stakes emotions, big dreams, big predators and even bigger risks – it’s certainly not to be missed.

Series Producer & Director is Shane Brennan.

Moondance Productions for RTE.

Photo Credit: Adam Porter

LINK to Wild Ireland http://wildireland.org